Key People-Sen.
John McCain (R-AZ)updated Dec. 21, 2006>>Many
additions were announced and reported between the Nov. 2006 elections
and the end of the year. [previous
page]

JOHN McCAIN 2008 - THE
EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE (filed with the FEC to establish on Nov.
16, 2006)If, as expected, McCain
gets in the race.post Nov. 7, 2006 mid-term
election announcements and reports show steady building of a campaign organization
on the foundation of Straight Talk America...NATIONAL

(reported by Chris Cillizza
"The Fix" on Dec. 7, 2006) Communications director at the RNC from Jan.
25, 2005. Jones was a Senior Communications Advisor to Bush-Cheney
’04. Vice President for Polling and Advertising of Mercury Public
Affairs. Research Director for the NRCC. He has worked on campaigns
at the local, state and national level.

Member of the
National Strategy Team(headed up by Chief Political
Advisor John Weaver)

Kathleen Shanahan

(announced Dec. 14, 2006)
CEO of WRS Infrastructure & Environment in Tampa and is serving as
the vice chair for Governor-elect Charlie Crist's transition team.
Previously the President of Irish ROSE Consulting, LLC. Senior consultant
to John Thain, CEO of the NYSE, from Feb.-Sept. 2004. Chief of staff
to Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Jan. 2001-Nov. 2003. Worked for Dick Cheney
as his chief of staff on the 2000 campaign and presidential transition.
Senior Vice President Public Affairs/Government Relations with New York
based Paine Webber Inc., 1996-2001. Deputy Secretary of Economic
Development with the California Trade Commerce Agency, 1993-95. Senior
Vice President with The Wexler Group, 1989-92. Special assistant
to Vice President George H.W. Bush, and staff assistant to President Ronald
Reagan’s National Security Council. Managed Gov. Pete Wilson's 1994
re-election campaign against Kathleen Brown. Deputy campaign director
for the California Bush-Quayle campaign in 1992. Deputy GOP Convention
director for the George Bush for President campaign in 1988. Undergraduate
degree in biochemistry from University of California, San Diego and M.B.A.
from the New York University's Stern School of Management.

Senior Advisor

Steve Schmidt

(reported by Chris Cillizza
"The Fix" on Dec. 20, 2006; announced Dec. 21) Campaign manager for
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's (R-CA) 2006 re-election. Deputy Assistant
to the President and Counselor to the Vice President, responsible for Cheney's
press relations and communications. Point man for the Bush Administration
on the confirmations of Judge John Roberts and then Judge Samuel Alito
to the U.S. Supreme Court. Deputy Communications Director/Director
of Rapid Response on Bush Cheney '04. Communications director at
the NRCC in the 2002 cycle. Spokesperson for the House Energy and
Commerce Committee. Communications director on Lamar Alexander's
2000 campaign for the Republican presidential nomination for the first
part of 1999. Press secretary on Matt Fong's 1998 U.S. Senate campaign
in California. From North Plainfield, NJ.

Communications
Strategist

Brett O'Donnell

(reported by the Lynchburg News
& Advance on Nov. 16, 2006; to start Jan. 8) Coach of Liberty
University's debate team for 17 years; also president of O'Donnell and
Associates, Ltd., a political consulting firm. In 2004 the Bush-Cheney
campaign retained O'Donnell to assist President Bush in debate preparation.

Organizing New England
States

Jim Barnett

(reported by The Associated
Press on Nov. 16, 2006) Chairman of the Vermont Republican Party,
elected May 2003, served through late Nov. 2006. Deputy campaign
manager on Jim Douglas' successful 2002 campaign for governor of Vermont,
then worked on Gov. Douglas' senior staff. Deputy Associate Director
in the Presidential Personnel Office. Worked at the RNC during the
1998 and 2000 cycles.

National Finance Co-Chairs(8 national finance co-chairs
announced Dec. 14, 2006)

Donald Bren - Chairman
of The Irvine Company in Southern California, a premier real estate investment
company. Bren is also a significant philanthropist focused on education
and conservation. He has played major finance roles in the campaigns
of Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, former Gov. Pete Wilson
and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Bren is a founding member of the
New Majority in Orange County, California, an organization that has raised
millions for Republican candidates supportive of free markets and fiscal
responsibility. Former Marine.

Donald R. Diamond - Chairman
of Diamond Ventures, Inc., a real estate investment firm. Diamond
served as vice president of ACLI International in New York City, owner
and president of NBC-affiliate KVOA-TV in Tucson, and partner in Arizona
Mail Order. He was a founder, vice president and principal owner
of the Phoenix Suns and owned an interest in the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Diamond served as chairman of the United Way, ran its general campaign
and in 1995 was the first chairman of the United Way's Tucson Alexis de
Tocqueville Society.

Lewis M. Eisenberg - A
co-founder of Granite Capital International Group. Former partner
at Goldman Sachs. Co-chairman of New York City Host Committee for
the 2004 Republican Convention. Finance chairman of the RNC, Jan.
2002-March 2003. Named by Gov. George Pataki to serve as a member
of the Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Authority. Chairman of the Board
of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, 1995
to 2001. A Ranger for the 2004 Bush-Cheney campaign. A key
advisor to New Jersey Gov. Christine Whitman.

James B. Lee, Jr. - Vice
chairman of JP Morgan Chase; has spent more than 30 years with the firm
and its predecessor companies. During his career, he started many
of the Bank’s investment banking businesses, including the loan syndications
unit, now the largest in the world. Lee rose through the ranks to
run Chemical Bank’s and then Chase Manhattan's multi-billion dollar investment
bank and helped launch the firm's first leadership development program.
Member of the Bank's Executive Committee, and chairs its National Advisory
Board. He is president of the Berkshire Broadcasting Corporation.

Thomas G. Loeffler - Founder
and senior partner of The Loeffler Group, LLP, a government affairs and
international trade law firm with offices in Washington, D.C., and San
Antonio and Austin, Texas. A Pioneer in the 2000 Bush campaign and
a Super-Ranger in 2004. Loeffler served as Texas co-chairman for
the George H.W. Bush presidential campaign, as national finance chairman
of Phil Gramm for President, national finance co-chairman in 2000 and South
Texas co-chairman in 2004 for George W. Bush for President. Co-chairman
of the RNC's Team 100. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan named him
the principal coordinator for Central America in the White House Office
of Legislative Affairs. In 1978 he was elected for the first of four
terms in the U.S. House, representing the 21st CD in Texas. Began
his career as chief legislative counsel for Sen. John Tower and was appointed
special assistant for legislative affairs by President Gerald Ford.

John A. Moran - Retired
chairman of The Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corporation, a private investment company
based in New York City. Is the honorary co-chairman of the Republican Leadership
Council of Washington, D.C. Served as chairman of the Republican
National Finance Committee from 1993-95. National finance chairman
of the Dole for President campaign. He is a member and former director
of the Chief Executive's Organization, member and former director of the
World President's Organization, former member and director of United Nations
Association, founder of the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University
of Utah in Salt Lake City, and has served as a director of Wynn Resorts
since October 2002.

A. Jerrold Perenchio - Since
1992, Perenchio has been the chairman and CEO and controlling shareholder
of Univision Communications Inc., the largest Spanish-language communications
company in the United States. From 1973 until the partners sold the
company in 1985, Perenchio was a partner and CEO of Tandem Productions
and T.A.T. Communications and a partner of Norman Lear and Alan D. Yorkin.
Started his business career as a talent agent, first with Music Corporation
of America then formed his own company, Chartwell Artists, which was the
fifth largest talent agency in the world. Three years in the U.S.
Air Force. Graduate of UCLA.

John A. Thain - CEO
of the NYSE Group, Inc., effective March 8, 2006. CEO of the New
York Stock Exchange since joining the Exchange on Jan. 15, 2004.
Previously
president and COO of Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. since July 2003; president
and co-COO from May 1999 through June 2003; he had been a director since
1998. President and co-COO of The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P. in 1999.
From 1994-99, he served as chief financial officer and head of operations,
technology and finance. From 1995-97, he was also co-chief executive officer
for European operations. MBA from Harvard University in 1979 and
a B.S. degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1977.

New York Area Finance Team

(announced
Dec. 19, 2006) Includes four national co-chairs, three honorary New
York co-chairs, and fifty New York, New Jersey and Connecticut finance
committee members.

IOWA

supporter

Marlys Popma

(announced Dec. 1, 2006)
Currently president of IHS (In His Service) Consulting. A two-time
executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa, as well as its political
director and Victory director. Has served as president of Iowa Right
to Life and as executive director of the Iowa Family Policy Center.
National deputy political director for Gary Bauer for President in 1999-2000.
Deputy Iowa campaign manager for Phil Gramm’s 1996 presidential campaign.
Popma has also worked for the campaigns of Congressman Jim Ross Lightfoot,
and the gubernatorial campaigns of Terry Branstad and Jim Nussle.
Resident of Lynnville (Jasper County).

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Communications Director

Jill Hazelbaker

(reported Dec. 20, 2006 by Wally
Edge of PoliticsNH) Spokeswoman on Tom Kean Jr.'s 2006 U.S. Senate
campaign in New Jersey. Degree in political science and history from
the University of Oregon. From Salem, OR.

Consultant on Coalition Outreach-Paul
Young(reported Dec. 21, 2006
by John DiStaso in "Granite Status") A founder of Calypso Communications.
Previously principal of Paul Young & Associates for five years.
Served as a Senior National Campaign Advisor to the presidential campaigns
of Steve Forbes, Bob Dole and Jack Kemp.

MICHIGAN

Chairman

Attorney General Mike Cox

(announced Dec. 14, 2006)
Re-elected to a second term in 2006; first elected in 2002, the first Republican
Attorney General of Michigan in 48 years. Worked in the Wayne County
prosecutor's office in Detroit. Graduated from the University of
Michigan Law School in 1989. Entered the Marines after high school.

State Grassroots Chairman

Dave Dishaw

(announced Dec. 19, 2006)
Third District GOP chairman; candidate
for state party chairman (to be chosen at the Feb. 2007 state convention).
Has volunteered and worked for Land for Secretary of State, Cox for Attorney
General, Abraham for Senate, Dole for President, Bush for President (HW
and W), and hundreds of local campaigns. Resident of Kent County;
licensed Michigan real estate broker, mortgage broker, and title insurance
producer.

State Director, Social
Conservatives

Glenn Clark

(announced Dec. 20, 2006)
Ninth District GOP chairman. Executive director of the Michigan Christian
Coalition, 1994-97. Political director of Romney for U.S. Senate
in 1994.

SOUTH CAROLINASouth Carolina Agriculture Commissioner
Hugh Weathers(announced
Nov. 28, 2006)First appointed Agriculture
Commissioner by Gov. Mark Sanford to fill a vacancy in the office; elected
Nov. 7, 2006 to a full four-year term. A third generation dairy farmer,
Weathers is co-owner of Weathers Farms, Inc., a 650-cow dairy operation
in Bowman, South Carolina. He also operates Weathers Trucking, Inc.,
a bulk milk delivery service for over 30 dairies.

TEXAS

Chairman

James Huffines

(announced Dec. 14, 2006)
Commercial banker; chairman, Central and South Texas, of PlainsCapital
Bank in Austin. Currently serves as chairman of the University of
Texas System Board of Regents. Major roles in the elections of Gov.
Rick Perry, including chairman of the Perry transition team in 2000-01,
co-chairman of the Texas Inaugural Committee in 2003 and 2007, and chairman
of Perry’s successful 2006 re-election campaign. Member of the inaugural
committee for then Gov. George W. Bush in 1999. Huffines began his
political career by working on Bill Clements’ successful gubernatorial
campaign and served Gov. Clements as appointment secretary, Nov. 1986-June
1990. Executive at several Dallas banks. BBA degree in finance
from U.T. Austin in 1973 and attended Southwestern Graduate School of Banking
at Southern Methodist University

Honorary Chairman

former Gov. William P. Clements

(announced Dec. 7, 2006)
Elected first Republican governor of Texas since Reconstruction in 1978,
and elected to another term in 1986. Deputy U.S. secretary of defense
in the Nixon and Ford administrations. A former chairman of the board
of governors of Southern Methodist University. Co-founder and co-owner
of Southeastern Drilling Company, which later changed its name to SEDCO
Inc. and became the world's largest oil drilling contracting firm.

Honorary Finance
Chairmen(announced Dec. 7, 2006)

Robert Mosbacher Billy Joe “Red” McCombs

McCombs, a renowned philanthropist,
is the founder of the Red McCombs Automotive Group and a co-founder of
Clear Channel Communications. He is a former owner of the San Antonio Spurs,
the Denver Nuggets, and the Minnesota Vikings. Mosbacher is
chairman of Mosbacher Energy Company. He is the past chairman of
the RNC and served as national finance chairman for the campaigns of Presidents
Ford and George H. W. Bush. Secretary of Commerce under President
George H.W. Bush from 1989-92.

UTAH

National Co-Chairman

Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. (R-UT)

(see below)

State Chairman

Attorney General Mark Shurtleff

(announced Dec. 7, 2006)
A lifelong Utahn and two-term Attorney General. Prior to serving
as Attorney General, Shurtleff was Chairman of the Salt Lake County Commission.
He also served in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps and
as an assistant attorney general, a deputy county attorney, and a small
claims judge pro tempore in Utah. Graduated from Brigham Young University
and the University of Utah School of Law.

In 2002 Weaver moved to Manhattan
and switched to the Democratic Party. He worked for years, on numerous
races, as a Republican political consultant based in San Antonio, Texas.
Political director on Sen. McCain's 2000 presidential campaign. National
field director on Sen. Phil Gramm's 1996 presidential campaign; after Gramm
withdrew he joined Lamar Alexander's campaign. Executive director
of the Texas Republican Party. Worked on Bill Clements' successful
gubernatorial campaign in 1986. Deputy campaign manager of Phil Gramm's
successful 1984 Senate race. Graduate of Texas A&M University.
Native of Kermit, Texas (near Odessa).

Executive Director

Craig Goldman

(started Aug. 2005) Goldman
has been in and out of politics. Managed former Los Altos Hills Mayor
Toni Casey's campaign for the 2004 Republican U.S. Senate nomination in
California. Volunteered as needed on McCain's 2000 campaign.
Aide on Sen. Phil Gramm's 1996 presidential campaign after working for
him at the NRSC.

Program Coordinator for the
Reform Institute and implements the FEC Reform Project. Worked for
two years as a Legislative Aide to Florida Senate President Jim Scott.
Masters degree in Political Management from the George Washington University;
bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Southern California.

Senior Advisor

Terry Nelson

(reported by AP's Ron Fournier
on March 18, 2006) Founder and managing partner of Crosslink Strategy
Group; also a consultant and member of Akerman Senterfitt's Policy practice
group. Political Director for Bush-Cheney '04, 2003-04 (announced
May 30, 2003). Deputy chief of staff and director of political operations
at the RNC from January 2002 until joining the Bush campaign. In
February 2001 Nelson and two partners formed Dawson, McCarthy, Nelson Media,
a Washington, DC consulting firm. Political director for the NRCC
during the 2000 cycle, and earlier served as the NRCC's national field
director, 1997-99. Majority staff director of the Iowa Senate, 1997.
NRCC field representative, 1995-96. Campaign manager for Rep. Jim
Nussle, 1992-95. Graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.S. in
Political Science, 1994. From Marshalltown, Iowa.

Nicole C. Fenwick
["w" is silent]

(since March 2006) Previously
director with Luntz Research Companies. Worked at Baker Botts LLP
in Washington, DC as a trial attorney specializing in criminal defense.
Graduate of the Harvard Law School, 2003; undergraduate degree in Government
from Harvard College, 2000.

(announced Aug. 2, 2006)
Partner with Thomas Riehle at RT Strategies. Managing Director, Public
Affairs at Burson-Marsteller, starting Oct. 1997. First Managing
Director and President of Gallup China in Beijing, 1993-95. Member
of the Board of Directors of the Gallup Organization, 1987-92. President
and Founder of Tarrance & Associates, a Houston-based national survey
research company, 1977-92. Special Assistant to the Director of the
1970 U.S. Census. Director of Research for the Republican National
Committee and an officer of the 1968 Republican National Convention.
Master's degree in Electoral Behavior from American University in Washington
DC; B.A. in European History from Washington & Lee University in Lexington,
Virginia. Author or co-author of five published books about electoral
behavior.

National Co-Chairman

Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. (R-UT)

(reported by Chris Cillizza
July 19, 2006: "will help coordinate politics and policy for McCain in
Western states.") Elected governor in Nov. 2004. A business
executive, he has held an number of positions with the Huntsman Corporation,
most recenty Chairman and CEO of the holding company. Under President
George W. Bush he was a deputy U.S. trade representative and U.S. trade
ambassador. Under President George H. W. Bush, he was deputy assistant
secretary of commerce for trade development, deputy assistant secretary
of commerce for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, as well as U.S. ambassador
to Singapore (fluent in Mandarin). Staff assistant to President Ronald
Reagan. Attended the University of Utah and received his bachelor’s
degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

IOWAMcCain has a hold on
the former headquarters of Jim Nussle's 2006 gubernatorial campaign in
Urbandale (reported by DMR staff writer Tim Higgins on Dec. 2, 2006; confirmed
by exploratory committee--in the event he gets into the race). Krusty
Konservative reports that several people have signed up with McCain: Tim
Miller (worked for Dix and Lamberti in 2006), Scott Will (Lamberti), Jenn
Crall (Latham) and Erik Helland (who was recently with Pataki's PAC in
Iowa). This also confirmed by the exploratory committee--in the event
he gets into the race.

Iowa Chairman

David Roederer

(announced Sept. 22, 2006)
Chair of the Lamberti for Congress Committee and the Vaudt for State Auditor
Committee. Chaired the Iowa Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign. Managing
partner of StrataVizion, Inc. in Des Moines. Served as the Economic
Development Coordinator for Iowa State University. Chief of staff
for Gov. Terry Branstad, 1991-95; campaign manager for Gov. Branstad, 1990-91.
Director of the Iowa Department of Commerce, 1988-90. B.A. from the
University of Northern Iowa, 1973. [Also, in the private sector Roederer
worked for two and a half years in Saudi Arabia designing a national law
enforcement agency for a Lockheed Martin company].

Consultant/"National Advisor"

Chuck Larson

(traveled with McCain during
his April 13, 2006 Iowa trip). State Senator (District 19-Cedar Rapids)
since 2002, retiring in Dec. 2006; previously served as a State Representative,
1992-2001. Founder of Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission,
a 501(c)(4). Deployed to Iraq as a major in the U.S. Army Reserve
in Sept. 2003 and served there for a year. Chairman of the Republican
Party of Iowa starting Jan. 27, 2001. General counsel for The ESCO
Group, Cedar Rapids, starting in 1999. Assistant Jones County Attorney,
1997-99. University of Iowa, JD, 1996; University of Iowa, BA in
Economics, 1992.

directs day to day ops
on the ground

Matthew J. Gronewald

(started June 2006) Most
recently managed State Rep. Bill Dix's congressional campaign in Iowa's
1st CD; Dix finished second to Mike Whalen in the June 6, 2006 primary.
Previously he worked for the State Party's Legislative Majority Fund, and
as Rep. Dix's legislative assistant while he was the Statehouse Appropriations
Chairman. From Evansdale, Iowa.

From Waterloo. Iowa State
Veterans chairman for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign and a member of the
campaign's national veteran's steering committee. Served two terms
as Iowa Attorney General and as executive director of the Reserve Officers
Association of the United States. Started military career in the
Army as an infantry private in 1943 and rose through the active and reserve
ranks to serve as commanding general of three general officer commands
including the 88th U.S. Army Reserve.

Co-Chairman

Richard Goebel

From Dubuque. Served 33
years in the Army Reserve and retired as a Sergeant Major. Veteran
of the first Gulf War and Somalia. Currently serves as the VFW state
commander.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Consultant

Mike Dennehy

Founder and president of The
Dennehy Group, based in Concord, NH. Managed Craig Benson's successful
2002 campaign for governor in New Hampshire. New England Political
Director and New Hampshire Campaign Manager on Sen. McCain's 2000 presidential
campaign. Managed Jay Lucas' 1998 gubernatorial campaign in New Hampshire.
Executive director of the New Hampshire Republican Party, starting in March
1996 through late 1997. New Hampshire political director on Sen.
Phil Gramm's 1996 primary campaign. Special assistant to Gov. Stephen
Merrill (R-NH). B.S. from Southern New Hampshire University.

National Advisors
(NH-based)

Steve Duprey and Charles Douglas III

(reported by Granite Status
on May 25, 2006)Steve Duprey - Duprey
served a couple of stints as chairman of the NH GOP, most recently during
the 2000 cycle (elected Jan. 1997, re-elected Jan. 1999 and served through
Jan. 2001). During his first time as chair he took leave in March
1995 and resigned in Oct. 1995 due to a legal situation with his business
(he was general partner of Northeast Community Development Group).Charles Douglas III
- Elected to Congress in 1988 and served one term; defeated in bid for
re-election. Associate justice, New Hampshire superior court, 1974-1976;
associate justice, New Hampshire Supreme Court, 1977-1983 and senior justice,
1983-1985. Practiced law. J.D. from Boston University School
of Law, 1968. Graduate of UNH, 1965.

Consultant

Patrick Hynes

(started as sub-contractor late
April 2006, consultant from May 23, announced July 24, 2006) Founder
of New Media Strategics, and account services director for Calypso Communications
in Portsmouth, NH; has written, produced, and placed hundreds of television
and radio advertisements. Blogger (Ankle Biting Pundits, formerly
Crushkerry). Started the Crushkerry.com website in January 2004.
Signed on to Orrin Hatch's presidential campaign in June 1999. Political
director for the NH Republican State Committee starting in February 1999.
Political director on Jay Lucas' 1998 gubernatorial campaign. Worked
on the NH GOP's 1994 state Senate campaign effort. Graduate of the
University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in English Literature. Hynes
is also author of In Defense of the Religious Right: Why Conservative
Christians Are the Lifeblood of the Republican Party and Why That Terrifies
the Democrats (July 2006).

Field

Brian Bernys

(reported by Granite Status
on Sept. 14, 2006) Came to Straight Talk America from position as
regional field coordinator for northeastern Vermont on Rich Tarrant's 2006
U.S. Senate campaign. Managed Edward Robinson's unsuccessful campaign
for the Republican nomination for delegate in Virginia House District 35
(Vienna, Oakton, central Fairfax) in 2005.

Advisors(announced
Sept. 14, 2006)

Cathy Stacey of Salem - President
of the New Hampshire Association of CountiesStuart Trachy of Franklin -
Merrimack County TreasurerDavid Fredette of Nashua -
Hillsborough County TreasurerMaureen Barrows of Exeter -
Rockingham County CommissionerDan St. Hilaire of Concord -
Merrimack County Attorney

Principal of Richard Quinn and
Associates, consulting firm based in Columbia. Lead South Carolina
strategist for McCain's 2000 campaign (signed on in Feb. 1999). Consultant
to Sen. Phil Gramm's (R-TX) 1996 campaign in South Carolina.

(announced Aug. 3, 2006)
Now in private practice, Charlie Condon Law Firm, LLC in Mount Pleasant,
SC. Unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate
in 2004; unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for governor in
2002. Attorney General of South Carolina, 1995-2002. Served
as Circuit Solicitor of Charleston and Berkeley Counties for more than
ten years. A state chair for Bob Dole’s 1996 presidential campaign,
and a Bush-Cheney co-chair in 2000.

Co-Chair

Bob McAlister

(announced Aug. 3, 2006)
President of McAlister
Communications, a crisis management and media relations firm.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Communications, and Chief of Staff for
Gov. Carroll Campbell. Consultant to the 2000 presidential primary
campaign for George W. Bush in South Carolina, a consultant for Carroll
Campbell and David Beasley in their gubernatorial campaigns, a consultant
for Lindsey Graham’s 2002 U.S. Senate campaign.

Co-Chair

Attorney General Henry McMaster

(announced Aug. 10, 2006)
South Carolina Attorney General since 2003; unopposed for re-election in
2006. Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, elected in
1993 and served until 2002. U.S. Attorney for South Carolina from
1981-85; first U.S. Attorney in the nation to be appointed by President
Ronald Reagan.

Co-Chair

State Sen. John Courson

(announced Aug. 30, 2006)
First elected to the South Carolina Senate in 1984, and has served there
continuously since then; represents District 20 (Columbia area).
Senior Vice President of KeenanSuggs Insurance. State Chairman or
State Treasurer for Sen. Strom Thurmond’s last three re-election campaigns.
Active in the presidential campaigns of George H.W. Bush in 1988, and George
W. Bush in 2000. Republican National Committeeman for South
Carolina. Chair of Reagan’s 1980 and 1984 campaign committees in
South Carolina; Reagan delegate to two national conventions; one of South
Carolina's presidential electors for Reagan. Graduate of the University
of South Carolina.

Co-Chair

Former Congressman John Napier

(announced Sept. 13, 2006)
Resident of Pawley’s Island. Appointed by President Reagan as a federal
judge to the U.S. Claims Court in 1986. Practiced law in Bennettsville,
1983-86. Elected to Congress representing the 6th District in 1980
and served one term (defeated in re-election bid). Practiced law
in Bennettsville, 1978-80. Worked several positions on Capitol Hill,
finishing as chief legislative assistant and legal counsel to U.S. Senator
Strom Thurmond, 1976-78 and chief minority counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee
on Official Conduct 1977. A.B. from Davidson College in Davidson,
N.C., 1969; J.D. from University of South Carolina, 1972; served in the
United States Army Reserve as a first lieutenant, 1969-77.

Co-Chair

Strom Thurmond, Jr.

(announced Sept. 28, 2006)
Son and namesake of legendary U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond. Practicing
attorney with Smith, Massey, Brodie, Thurmond & Guynn, in Aiken.
A former U.S. Attorney for South Carolina, appointed to that post by President
George W. Bush in 2001.

Co-Chair

Carroll A. Campbell, III

(announced Sept. 28, 2006)
Oldest son of the late South Carolina Governor Carroll Campbell.
Businessman with 17 years experience in industries ranging from utilities
to biometrics and insurance technology. Serves on the S.C. State
Ports Authority; appointed by Gov. Mark Sanford in 2003. Key advisor
on Sanford's gubernatorial campaign, and was actively involved in the presidential
campaigns of both President George W. Bush and former President George
H.W. Bush.

Co-Chair

State Sen. Glenn McConnell

(announced Oct. 4, 2006)
Elected to the South Carolina Senate in 1980; elected President Pro Tempore,
the presiding officer in the Senate, Jan. 9, 2001. Attorney and businessman;
president of CSA Galleries, Inc.. Chairman of the Charleston County
Republican Party from 1978-82. Private practice. A labor management
relations specialist with the Charleston Naval Shipyard. Staff attorney
with the Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program. J.D. from the University
of South Carolina, 1972; B.S. from the College of Charleston, 1969.
Worked on the Goldwater presidential campagn. Lifelong resident of
the Charleston area.

Co-Chair

Paula Harper Bethea

(announced Oct. 9, 2006)
Director of external relations for the McNair Law Firm. Previously
director of client relations and development for Bethea, Jordan & Griffin,
P.A.. Mrs. Bethea and husband William were named South Carolina Chamber
of Commerce 2006 Business Leaders of the Year; she is a former chairperson
of the Board of the Chamber. She was "an early backer and key fundraiser
for George W. Bush in 2000." Attended USC Salkehatchie from 1973-74,
completed her BA degree at USC. Native South Carolinian; resident
of Hilton Head Island.

Co-Chair

State Sen. Billy O'Dell

(announced Oct. 12, 2006)
Represents parts of Anderson, Greenwood and Abbeville counties; has served
in the South Carolina Senate since 1989. CEO of O'Dell Corp., Inc.,
a leading cleaning products company (mops, brooms, brushes...). B.A.
from The Citadel, 1960.

Co-Chair

State Sen. Mike Fair

(announced Oct. 17, 2006)
Fair has represented Greenville in the South Carolina Senate since he was
elected in Nov. 1995 and is Chairman of the Senate Corrections and Penology
Committee. Elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives
in 1984 and served through 1995. Previously served on Greenville
County Council. Graduate of the University of South Carolina.

Co-Chair

Solicitor Trey Gowdy

(announced Nov. 2, 2006)
Of Spartanburg. Elected chief prosecutor in the seventh judicial
circuit in 2000 and reelected in 2004 without opposition. Former
assistant U.S. attorney. Active in the campaigns of President George
W. Bush and U.S Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint.

Co-Chair

Solicitor Jerry Peace

(announced Nov. 2, 2006)
Of Greenwood. Elected chief prosecutor in the eighth judicial circuit
in 2004 after serving for many years as chief deputy solicitor for the
circuit.

Co-Chair

Solicitor Ralph Hoisington

(announced Nov. 2, 2006)
Of Charleston. Elected chief prosecutor for the ninth judicial circuit
in 2000 and reelected in 2004 without opposition. Former assistant
U.S. attorney. Active in the campaigns of President George W. Bush,
Senator Lindsey Graham and Attorney General Henry McMaster.

Co-Chair

Solicitor Donnie Myers

(announced Nov. 2, 2006)
Of Lexington. South Carolina’s senior solicitor; elected chief prosecutor
for the eleventh judicial circuit in 1976. Has successfully prosecuted
more death penalty cases than any other prosecutor in the state.
Active in the presidential campaigns of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George
H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

Law Enforcement Advisory CommitteeOn October 31, 2006, Straight
Talk America announced
a South Carolina Law Enforcement Advisory Committee comprising 11 county
sheriffs from around the state.

South Carolina Youth Advisory CommitteeOn October 19, 2006, Straight
Talk America announced
a South Carolina Youth Advisory Committee comprising 11 College Republican
leaders from around the state.

MICHIGAN

Field Director

John Yob

President of Grand Rapids-based
political consulting firm Independent Campaign Marketing Inc.. Graduate
of the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the
Arts (LSA); former chairman of the Michigan College Republicans.
Youngest son of Michigan RNC Committeeman Chuck Yob.

(announced Sept. 5, 2006)
President and CEO of PVS Chemicals, Inc., an international manufacturer
and marketer of water treatment and other chemical products, headquartered
in Detroit. A Bush Ranger in 2004 and a Bush Pioneer in 2000, Nicholson
also served as Finance Chairman for U.S. Senate candidate Keith Butler
and has held finance leadership roles for a number of Michigan candidates
including gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos, former Governor John Engler,
Attorney General Mike Cox, and various Supreme Court candidates.
He ran for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination in 1996.

Michigan Youth Advisory CommitteeOn October 24, 2006, Straight
Talk America announced
a Michigan Young Leaders Team comprising 27 young Republican leaders from
around the state.

MORE STATES (alpha
by state)ALABAMA

Co-Chair

Attorney General Troy King

(announced Aug. 30, 2006)
Alabama Attorney General since 2004, when he was appointed by Gov. Bob
Riley (R); seeking election to the office in 2006. Previously a legal
advisor to Gov. Riley. Four years as an Assistant Attorney General
to Attorney General Bill Pryor, 1999-2003. Deputy executive secretary/deputy
legal advisor to Gov. Fob James. J.D. from University of Alabama
School of Law, 1994; B.S. in History and Social Sciences from Troy State
University, 1990. From Elba, AL

Finance Chairman

Tom Young

(announced Sept. 14, 2006)
CEO of Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Huntsville. Previously
served as executive vice president at Intergraph Corporation, a Huntsville-based
software and services company. Sought the Republican nomination for
Congress in Alabama's 2nd CD in 2002. Twelve years as chief of staff
to Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL). Worked for the King & Spalding
law firm and for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Mobile native.

(announced Aug. 3, 2006)
Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Industries, a worldwide diversified
service and manufacturing company, since Oct. 2001. Chairman of the
Florida State Board of Education, appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush. Has
chaired eight statewide political races. State Chairman of Jeb Bush’s
gubernatorial campaigns in Florida in 1993-94 and 1997-98; and co-chairman
of his 2002 re-election campaign. Chairman of Limited Political Terms
petition effort in Florida in 1991-92. CEO of ComBanks Corporation,
a bank holding company in central Florida. Vice President for investment
banking with Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. in New York, 1970-76.
Started career as a securities analyst at Fidelity Management and Research
in Boston, 1968. MBA from Harvard Business School; B.A. in Economics
from Princeton University.

(announced Aug. 9, 2006)
Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996 and re-elected in 2002. Elected
to the Oregon State Senate in 1992; elected Minority Leader and then President
of the Senate during his first term. Managed his family's frozen
vegetable processing company. Attorney in private practice.
Law degree from Southwestern University, 1976. Graduate of Brigham
Young University, 1976. Native of Oregon.

See also: James M.
Broder. "McCain Mines Elite of G.O.P. for 2008 Team." The
New York Times. Aug. 21, 2006.

SENATE OFFICE

Administrative Assistant
(Chief of Staff)

Mark Salter

Has helped McCain write his
four books. Started working for McCain in 1989 as a legislative assistant.
Previously worked for Jeanne Kirkpatrick when she was UN Ambassador and
at AEI. From Davenport, Iowa.